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Broadland has joined more than 1,200 organisations across the UK who have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

The pledge is a commitment to changing the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace. 

Group Chief Executive Michael Newey said:

I’m delighted to sign this pledge on behalf of Broadland. Although things are slowly changing, there is still a great deal of stigma around mental health, and often a lack of understanding of the issues. We want our staff to feel comfortable to be able to start conversations around mental health and are committed to supporting their wellbeing at work.

By signing the pledge, Broadland commits to a 12-month Employer Action Plan. The plan will help us put in place best-practice interventions and policy to help our staff work in ways that promote positive mental wellbeing. This will support lasting, cultural change through a plan of tangible, measurable activity. 

In May 2019 Broadland launched a team of staff Mental Health Champions across the organisation. The champions offer a confidential, 1-to-1 service in the workplace. The Mental Health Champions’ role is to listen, support and signpost suitable services to colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health. They also raise awareness and promote mental wellbeing across the organisation.

Staff have also voted for Mind as their charity of the year for fundraising.

Broadland Housing has created a short video to accompany the launch of Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board‘s updated guidance on self-neglect and hoarding.

The 3-minute animation summarises the county strategy on self-neglect and hoarding. It is designed to raise awareness among adult safeguarding practitioners and give practical advice on how to report concerns.

The strategy and the video focus on the importance of collaborative, multi-agency working. The aim is a more preventative approach, and to promote tools such as the Clutter Image Rating Scale and the Self-neglect and Hoarding Assessment Triangle.

Stephani Davis, Senior Housing Manager, said:

Broadland is committed to working with Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board and other agencies in Norfolk to proactively deal with safeguarding.

We hope this short video will support practitioners who have involvement in self-neglect and hoarding in their role by providing useful information in an easily accessible way.

Broadland celebrated the completion of 16 new homes in the north Norfolk village of Bodham in October.

This is the second phase of the Bodham development- the first phase was completed over 10 years ago.

The new scheme is a mixed tenure Exception Housing Scheme. The 16 high-quality homes include 7  affordable homes to rent and 3 which have been sold on a shared ownership basis, providing an affordable step onto the home ownership ladder.

All the affordable homes are prioritised for households with local connections through residence, family and employment to Bodham or its adjoining parishes of Baconsthorpe, Hempstead, High Kelling, Kelling, Matlaske, West Beckham, Weybourne and Upper Sheringham.

To make delivery of the affordable homes possible, Broadland developed 6 market homes as part of the scheme.  The market sales are an important step for Broadland and its subsidiary, Broadland St Benedicts. The sales proceeds from these homes are cross-subsidising new affordable homes in Bodham. This development is the result of a landmark partnership – the first of its kind in Norfolk – with North Norfolk District Council.

All the homes on the scheme, including the affordable properties, have been carefully designed to reflect the look and feel of the village and create a shared community.  Broadland believes that building a mixed tenure community can reduce the stigma around social housing and help enhance the existing vibrant community in Bodham.

Michael Newey, Group Chief Executive of BHA and Chair of Broadland St Benedicts, said:
“We are very proud to have built these much-needed homes in north Norfolk. We value the partnership we have with North Norfolk District Council. Working together has allowed us to provide a range of high-quality homes of all tenures.  This is the first time that the Group, through Broadland St Benedicts, has sold homes in the open market.  We are doing this both to generate surpluses to make our affordable homes financially viable for us, and to deliver mixed tenure communities.”

A spokesperson for North Norfolk District Council said:
“Providing affordable local homes for local people is a key priority for the Council and we are really pleased to be able to celebrate with Broadland Housing Group the completion of the first mixed tenure Exception Housing Scheme to be completed in north Norfolk.”

Cllr Sue Arnold, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
“The Bodham scheme reflects an effective partnership between the Council, Broadland Housing Group and Bodham Parish Council, as all three parties recognised the need for affordable housing to meet local housing need in Bodham.  These quality new homes will make a real difference to people’s lives and I am proud of the Council’s role in supporting this fantastic outcome.”

Speaking about the project, James Phillips, General Manager for construction company John Youngs, said:
“We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Broadland Housing to deliver quality local community housing that is not only affordable, but also modern and comfortable, matching the association’s and council’s future vision for mixed tenure housing schemes.”